A three-member panel of the court heard from Langford's attorney Michael Rasmussen and assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Billingsley in a 45-minute session.

The judges were R. Lanier Anderson, Stanley Marcus and Richard Mills. The judges asked the prosecutors and the defense questions about references to gambling during Langford's trial, including Langford's tax returns where he reported gambling winnings.

The judges did not indicate when they will make a decision on the appeal.

Following the hearing, Rasmussen said he was "cautiously optimistic."

Billingsley said he thought the court was prepared and engaged and understood the case.

"I'm confident they will reach the right result."

Langford is currently serving a 15-year sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution at Ashland, Ky.